Composition for animal consumption

ABSTRACT

This invention is directed generally to compositions (including foods, supplements, treats, toys, etc.) for animal consumption, particularly compositions that tend to aid in weight loss or reduction in weight gain, and particularly compositions that comprise one or more medium chain fatty acid triglycerides (“MCT”). This invention also is directed generally to methods for using such compositions. This invention is further directed generally to processes for making such compositions.

PRIORITY CLAIM TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This patent claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/656,056 (filed Sep. 5, 2003; and converted to a provisional patentapplication on Sep. 2, 2004). The entire text of the above-referencedpatent application is incorporated by reference into this patent.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed generally to compositions (including foods,supplements, treats, toys, etc.) for animal consumption, particularlycompositions that tend to aid in weight loss or reducing weight gain,and particularly compositions that comprise one or more medium chainfatty acid triglycerides (“MCT”). This invention also is directedgenerally to methods for using such compositions. This invention isfurther directed generally to processes for making such compositions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Medium chain triglycerides (MCT) are a family of triglycerides generallycontaining saturated fatty acid chains of from about 8 to about 12carbon atoms. These fatty acid chains are often predominantly caprylicacid (8-carbon) and capric acid (10-carbon) chains, with lesser amountsof caproic acid (6-carbon) and lauric acid (12-carbon) chains.

MCT have reportedly been used for parenteral nutrition in humansrequiring supplemental nutrition, and are reportedly also increasinglybeing used in foods, drugs, and cosmetics. MCT have additionallyreportedly been found to be non-toxic in acute toxicity tests for arange of animal species.

In contrast to MCT, long chain triglycerides (LCT) contain saturated andunsaturated fatty acid residues with greater than 12 carbons.Differences in fatty acid chain length and degree of saturationreportedly have been observed to lead to differences in digestion,absorption, and transport in at least some species. Specifically, forexample, medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) reportedly have been observedto have a greater tendancy to enter portal blood directly and betransported to the liver for rapid oxidation, whereas long chain fattyacids (LCFAs) reportedly have been observed to have a greater tendancyto be packaged into chylomicrons and transported into the lymphaticsystem, allowing for extensive uptake into the adipose tissue in atleast some animals. MCFAs also reportedly have been observed to have atendancy to enter mitochondria independent of the camitine transportsystem and undergo preferential oxidation in at least some animals.Papamandjaris, et al., “Medium Chain Fatty Acid Metabolism and EnergyExpenditure Obesity Treatment Implications”, Life Sciences, 62:1203-1215(1998). It has been hypothesized that relatively rapid metabolism of MCTmay, relative to LCT, increase energy expenditure, decrease depositionof MCT into adipose tissue, and result in faster satiety in at leastsome species. See St-Onge, M., et al., “Physiological Effects ofMedium-Chain Triglycerides: Potential Agents in the Prevention ofObesity”, P. J. Nutr., 132:329-332 (2002). See also, Rothwell, N., etal., Metabolism, 36:128-130, 1987 (reporting that feeding MCT to humansincreases energy expenditure and fat oxidation, and discussing potentialfor use of MCT in weight management regimes). See also, Tsuji, H., etal., “Dietary Medium-Chaine Triacylglycerols Suppress Accumulation ofBody Fat in a Double-Blind, Controlled Trial in Healthy Men and Women”,Nutr., 131: 2853-2859 (2001) (discussing reduction of body weight andfat using MCT diet in humans). See also, Portillo, M., et al., “EnergyRestriction with High-Fat Diet Enriched with Coconut Oil Gives HigherUCP1 and Lower White Fat in Rats”, Int'l J. Obes. Relat. Metab. Disord.,22: 974-979 (1998) (reporting that MCT-enriched diet is effective instimulating uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) expression during ad libitumfeeding and preventing UCP1 down regulation during food restriction inrats). See also, Lasekan, J., et al., “Energy expenditure in ratsmaintained with intravenous or intragastric infusion of total parenteralnutrition solutions containing medium- or long-chain triglycerideemulsions”, J. Nutr., 122: pps. 1483-1492 (1992) (reporting lower weightgain and greater energy expenditure in rats having MCT-supplementedparenteral nutrition relative to rats having LCT-supplemented parenteralnutrition).

Despite the reported advantages of MCT, there have been difficulties indeveloping MCT-containing foods. Some studies, for example, havereported that MCT-containing foods tend to have poor palatability.

Thus, there continues to be a need for compositions for animalconsumption, particularly those that aid in weight loss or reduction inthe rate of weight gain.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to compositions for animal consumption,particularly compositions that tend to aid in weight loss or reduce therate of weight gain. It is contemplated that such compositions aresuitable to be used with mammals, including non-human mammals such asnon-human primates (e.g., monkeys, chimpanzees, etc.), companion animals(e.g., dogs, cats, horses, etc.), farm animals (e.g., goats, sheep,pigs, cattle, etc.), laboratory animals (e.g., mice, rats, etc.), andwild and zoo animals (e.g., wolves, bears, deer, etc.). It also iscontemplated that such compositions are suitable to be used withnon-mammalian animals, such as companion, farm, zoo, and wild birds(e.g., including, for example, song birds, parrots, ducks, geese,chickens, turkeys, ostriches, etc.).

Briefly, therefore, this invention is directed, in part, to acomposition for animal consumption, such as, for example, a food,nutritional supplement, treat, or toy. The composition comprises fromabout 2% to about 25% (based on dry weight of the composition) of one ormore medium chain fatty acid triglycerides (i.e., triglyceridescontaining saturated fatty acid chains comprising from about 8 to about12 carbons). This invention also is directed to a treat, wherein thetreat comprises one or more medium chain fatty acid triglycerides.

This invention also is directed to a toy, wherein the toy comprises oneor more medium chain fatty acid triglycerides.

This invention also is directed to processes for preparing suchcompositions, treats, and toys.

This invention also is directed to methods for using such compositions,treats, and toys to aid in weight loss or reducing weight gain.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 compares observed food intake over two weeks with dogs fedMCT-supplemented food and food not supplemented with MCT.

FIG. 2 compares observed body weight changes in lean-prone andobese-prone dogs fed MCT-supplemented rations and rations notsupplemented with MCT.

FIG. 3 compares observed body weight changes in dogs fed rationssupplemented with MCT, rations supplemented with half the amount of MCT,and rations not supplemented with MCT.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This detailed description of preferred embodiments is intended only toacquaint others skilled in the art with Applicants' invention, itsprinciples, and its practical application so that others skilled in theart may adapt and apply the invention in its numerous forms, as they maybe best suited to the requirements of a particular use. This detaileddescription and its specific examples, while indicating preferredembodiments of this invention, are intended for purposes of illustrationonly. This invention, therefore, is not limited to the preferredembodiments described in this specification, and may be variouslymodified.

In accordance with this invention, we have found that inclusion of MCTinto an animal's diet (preferably into the animal's food) as describedin this patent tends to increase satiety and the rate at which theanimal will lose weight (or decrease the rate at which an animal willgain weight). We have found, for example, that such inclusion of MCT inpet food enhances the rate of weight loss relative to a food withoutMCT, even when similar amounts (calories) are consumed. This inventiongenerally allows feeding of an advantageous concentration of MCT withoutnegative effects on food intake or the health of the animal.

As used in this patent, a “triglyceride” is an ester of three fattyacids and glycerol. Triglycerides have the general chemical formula,CH₂(OOCR¹)CH(OOCR²)CH₂(OOCR³), and correspond in structure to thefollowing Formula I:

Each of OOCR¹, OOCR², and OOCR³ is a fatty acid residue. Each suchresidue is independently selected, i.e., R¹, R², and R³ can be identicalor different.

As used in this patent, “MCT” is one or more triglycerides containingsaturated fatty acid chains of from about 8 to about 12 carbons. Eachfatty acid chain in the triglyceride may be identical or different.Sources for MCT include, for example, coconut oil, macadamia oil, palmoil, palm kernel oil, and mixtures of such oils.

The MCT may be included in various types compositions, such as, forexample, a food, supplement, treat, or toy (typically a chewable andconsumable toy). The MCT is preferably present in the composition in anamount that is from about 2% to about 25% (or from about 5% to about20%, or from about 7% to about 18%, or from about 12% to about 16%)based on the dry weight of the composition. It is contemplated that useof such proportions of MCT in accordance with this invention willincrease an animal's energy expenditure even in the absence of anychange in caloric intake, assist in weight loss through modification ofenergy use without changing preference for the composition, and/orbeneficially change metabolism without decreasing taste.

In some embodiments, the MCT-containing composition is a food. Althoughboth liquid and solid foods are contemplated, solid foods are typicallypreferred. Where the food is solid, the MCT may be coated on the food,incorporated into the food, or both. Contemplated foods include both dryfoods or wet foods. The non-MCT components of the food and theirpreferred proportions include those listed in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Preferred proportion of the composition (% of dry weight ofComponent composition) Carbohydrate from about 0% to about 50%, or from(preferably a nitrogen-free or about 5% to about 45% essentiallynitrogen-free extract) Protein from about 5% to about 70%, or from about10% to about 70%, or from about 10% to about 60% Fat from about 2% toabout 50%, or from about 5% to about 50%, or from about 5% to about 40%Dietary fiber from about 0% to about 40%, or from about 1% to about 20%,or from about 1% to about 5.5% Nutritional balancing agents from about0% to about 15%, or from (e.g., vitamins and minerals) about 2% to about8%

In a contemplated embodiment, the composition is a food that comprisesthe following:

-   -   (a) from about 2% to about 25% (or from about 5% to about 20%,        or from about 7% to about 18%, or from about 12% to about 16%)        MCT; and    -   (b) at least one of the following:        -   (i) from about 5% to about 70% (or from about 10% to about            70%, or from about 10% to about 60%) protein, and        -   (ii) from about 2% to about 50% (or from about 5% to about            50%, or from about 5% to about 40%) fat.            In such an embodiment, it is contemplated that the            composition also may, for example, comprise at least one of            the following:    -   (a) no greater than about 50% (or from about 5% to about 45%)        carbohydrate,    -   (b) no greater than about 40% (or from about 1% to about 20%, or        from about 1% to about 5.5%) dietary fiber, and    -   (c) no greater than about 15% (or from about 2% to about 8%) of        one or more nutritional balancing agents.

In another contemplated embodiment, the composition is a food thatcomprises the following:

-   -   (a) from about 2% to about 25% (or from about 5% to about 20%,        or from about 7% to about 18%, or from about 12% to about 16%)        MCT, and    -   (b) from about 5% to about 70% (or from about 10% to about 70%,        or from about 10% to about 60%) protein.

In another contemplated embodiment, the composition is a food thatcomprises the following:

-   -   (a) from about 2% to about 25% (or from about 5% to about 20%,        or from about 7% to about 18%, or from about 12% to about 16%)        MCT, and    -   (b) from about 2% to about 50% (or from about 5% to about 50%,        or from about 5% to about 40%) fat.

In another contemplated embodiment, the composition is a food thatcomprises the following:

-   -   (a) from about 2% to about 25% (or from about 5% to about 20%,        or from about 7% to about 18%, or from about 12% to about 16%)        MCT,    -   (b) from about 5% to about 70% (or from about 10% to about 70%,        or from about 10% to about 60%) protein, and    -   (c) from about 2% to about 50% (or from about 5% to about 50%,        or from about 5% to about 40%) fat.

In another contemplated embodiment, the composition is a food thatcomprises the following:

-   -   (a) from about 2% to about 25% (or from about 5% to about 20%,        or from about 7% to about 18%, or from about 12% to about 16%)        MCT,    -   (b) from about 5% to about 70% (or from about 10% to about 70%,        or from about 10% to about 60%) protein,    -   (c) from about 2% to about 50% (or from about 5% to about 50%,        or from about 5% to about 40%) fat,    -   (d) no greater than about 50% (or from about 5% to about 45%)        carbohydrate,    -   (e) no greater than about 40% (or from about 1% to about 20%, or        from about 1% to about 5.5%) dietary fiber, and    -   (f) no greater than about 15% (or from about 2% to about 8%) of        one or more nutritional balancing agents.

Specific preferred amounts for each component in a composition willdepend on a variety of factors including, for example, the species ofanimal consuming the composition; the particular components included inthe composition; the age, weight, general health, sex, and diet of theanimal; the animal's consumption rate; the type of compositioncondition(s) being treated; and the like. Thus, the component amountsmay vary widely, and may even deviate from the preferred proportions setforth in this patent.

The fat and carbohydrate in the compositions of the present inventionmay be supplied by a variety of sources, including, for example, meat,meat by-products, other animal or plant protein sources, grains, andmixtures thereof. Meat includes, for example, the flesh of poultry,fish; and mammals (e.g., cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and the like).Meat by-products include, for example, lungs, kidneys, brain, livers,and stomachs and intestines freed of their contents. Grains include, forexample, wheat, corn, barley, and rice.

Fiber in the compositions of the present invention may be supplied froma variety of sources, including, for example, vegetable fiber sourcessuch as cellulose, beet pulp, peanut hulls, and soy fiber.

Particularly in instances when the composition is an animal's food,vitamins and minerals should be included in amounts required to avoiddeficiency and maintain health. These amounts are readily available inthe art. The National Research Council (NRC), for example, providesrecommended amounts of such ingredients for farm animals. See, e.g.,Nutrient Requirements of Swine (10th Rev. Ed., Nat'l Academy Press,Wash. D.C., 1998), Nutrient Requirements of Poultry (9th Rev. Ed., Nat'lAcademy Press, Wash. D.C., 1994), Nutrient Requirements of Horses (FifthRev. Ed., Nat'l Academy Press, Wash. D.C., 1989), etc. And the AmericanFeed Control Officials (AAFCO), for example, provides recommendedamounts of such ingredients for dogs and cats. See American Feed ControlOfficials, Incorp., Official publication, pp. 126-140 (2003).

The compositions of the present invention may further contain additivesknown in the art. Preferably, such additives are present in amounts thatdo not impair the purpose and effect provided by the invention. Examplesof contemplated additives include, for example, substances that arefunctionally beneficial to weight management, substances with astabilizing effect, processing aids, substances that enhancespalatability, coloring substances, and substances that providenutritional benefits.

Contemplated substances that may provide a benefit for weight managementinclude, for example, nonfermentable fiber, carnitine,chrominium-picolinate, and the like.

Contemplated stabilizing substances include, for example, substancesthat tend to increase the shelf life of the composition. Potentiallysuitable examples of such substances include, for example,preservatives, antioxidants, synergists and sequestrants, packaginggases, stabilizers, emulsifiers, thickeners, gelling agents, andhumectants. Examples of emulsifiers and/or thickening agents include,for example, gelatin, cellulose ethers, starch, starch esters, starchethers, and modified starches.

Contemplated additives for coloring, palatability, and nutritionalpurposes include, for example, colorants; iron oxide, sodium chloride,potassium citrate, potassium chloride, and other edible salts; vitamins;minerals; and flavoring. The amount of such additives in a compositiontypically is up to 5% (dry basis of the composition).

Supplements include, for example, a feed used with another feed toimprove the nutritive balance or performance of the total. Contemplatedsupplements include compositions that are fed undiluted as a supplementto other feeds, offered free choice with other parts of an animal'sration that are separately available, or diluted and mixed with ananimal's regular feed to produce a complete feed. The AAFCO, forexample, provides a discussion relating to supplements in the AmericanFeed Control Officials, Incorp. Official Publication, p. 220 (2003).Supplements may be in various forms including, for example, powders,liquids, syrups, pills, etc.

Treats include, for example, compositions that are given to an animal toentice the animal to eat during a non-meal time. Contemplated treats forcanines include, for example, dog bones. Treats may be nutritional,wherein the composition comprises one or more nutrients, and may, forexample, have a composition as described above for food. Non-nutritionaltreats encompass any other treats that are non-toxic. The MCT can becoated onto the treat, incorporated into the treat, or both.

Toys include, for example, chewable toys. Contemplated toys for dogsinclude, for example, artificial bones. The MCT can form a coating onthe surface of the toy or on the surface of a component of the toy, beincorporated partially or fully throughout the toy, or both. In acontemplated embodiment, the MCT is orally accessible by the intendeduser. There a wide range of suitable toys currently marketed. See, e.g.,U.S. Pat. No. 5,339,771. See also, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,283. Itshould be recognized that this invention contemplates both partiallyconsumable toys (e.g. toys comprising plastic components) and fullyconsumable toys (e.g., rawhides and various artificial bones). It shouldbe further recognized that this invention contemplates toys for bothhuman and non-human use, particularly for companion, farm, and zooanimal use, and particularly for dog, cat, or bird use.

In preparing a composition of the present invention, the components ofthe composition are adjusted so that the MCT is present in thecomposition at a concentration of from about 2% up to 25% (or from about5% to about 20%, or from about 7% to about 18%, or from about 12% toabout 16%) based on the dry content of the composition. The MCT may, forexample, be incorporated into the composition during the processing ofthe formulation, such as during and/or after mixing of other componentsof the composition. Distribution of these components into thecomposition can be accomplished by conventional means.

Compositions of the present invention (particularly foods) can beprepared in a canned or wet form using conventional pet food processes.In one contemplated embodiment, ground animal and poultry proteinaceoustissues is mixed with the other ingredients, including fish oils, cerealgrains, other nutritionally balancing ingredients, special purposeadditives (e.g., vitamin and mineral mixtures, inorganic salts,cellulose and beet pulp, bulking agents, and the like); and water thatsufficient for processing is also added. These ingredients preferablyare mixed in a vessel suitable for heating while blending thecomponents. Heating of the mixture may be effected using any suitablemanner, such as, for example, by direct steam injection or by using avessel fitted with a heat exchanger. Following the addition of the lastingredient, the mixture is heated to a temperature range of from about50° F. to about 212° F. Temperatures outside this range are acceptable,but may be commercially impractical without use of other processingaids. When heated to the appropriate temperature, the material willtypically be in the form of a thick liquid. The thick liquid is filledinto cans. A lid is applied, and the container is hermetically sealed.The sealed can is then placed into conventional equipment designed tosterilize the contents. This is usually accomplished by heating totemperatures of greater than about 230° F. for an appropriate time,which is dependent on, for example, the temperature used and thecomposition.

Compositions of the present invention (particularly foods) can beprepared in a dry form using conventional processes. In one contemplatedembodiment, dry ingredients, including, for example, animal proteinsources, plant protein sources, grains, etc., are ground and mixedtogether. Moist or liquid ingredients, including fats, oils, animalprotein sources, water, etc., are then added to and mixed with the drymix (which, in a contemplated embodiment, comprises at least 2% of thedesired MCT amount for the final product). The mixture is then processedinto kibbles or similar dry pieces. Kibble is often formed using anextrusion process in which the mixture of dry and wet ingredients issubjected to mechanical work at a high pressure and temperature, andforced through small openings and cut off into kibble by a rotatingknife. The wet kibble is then dried and optionally coated with one ormore topical coatings which may include, for example, flavors, fats,oils (e.g., MCT), powders, and the like. Kibble also can be made fromthe dough using a baking process, rather than extrusion, wherein thedough is placed into a mold before dry-heat processing.

Treats of the present invention can be prepared by, for example, anextrusion or baking process similar to those described above for dryfood. Other processes also may be used to either coat MCT oil on theexterior of existing treat forms, or inject it into an existing treatform.

Animal toys of the present invention are typically prepared by coatingany existing toy with MCT.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are merely illustrative, and not limiting to thisdisclosure in any way.

Example 1

Balanced, dry pet foods were formulated that contained various amountsof coconut oil (12 and 5% as mixed—see below). The coconut oil wasincorporated into the foods by injecting 2% into the preconditionerbefore kibble extrusion, and coating the remaining amount on hotkibbles. The kibbles were then allowed to cool. All foods were stored atroom temperature before use. The foods had the compositions shown inTable 2 below.

TABLE 2 Food Compositions for Animal Studies Study 1 & 2 3 3 4 4 CoconutOil 14.2 7.1 14.2 13.0 13.0 (%) Protein (%) 19.7 24.7 24.7 24.8 24.8 Fat(%) 20.6 16.9 16.9 22.0 22.0 Carbohydrate 53.8 51.0 51.0 46.3 27.6 (%)Crude Fiber 0.37 2.6 2.6 1.4 21.0 (%)The protein, fat, carbohydrate, and crude fiber components werenutrients to balance the formula to meet nutritional needs. All controlformulations were designed to be nutrient-matched.

A. Study 1

Study 1 utilized a 2-week crossover design with an intruded meal at theend of each week. The dogs were fed slightly below maintenancerequirements (requirement=(1.4)(BW^(0.75))(70)). The foods consisted ofa dry dog food containing MCT in the form of coconut oil (14.2% ofdiet), and a control food containing an equal amount of fat (LCT) fromother sources. The dogs fed coconut oil lost more weight than controlfed dogs, as shown in Table 3 below:

TABLE 3 Average Body Weights (grams) in Study 1 Treatment Day Zero Day 7Difference Combined control 16.31 16.05 −0.26 Combined test 16.39 15.98−0.41Food consumption was equal between the two treatment groups (see FIG.1). This is unexpected in view of other companion animal studiesreporting MCT-containing foods as having poor palatability that leads toinsufficient food intake. See, e.g., Van Dongen, A. M., et al., FoliaVet., 44:173 (2000). See also, e.g., Hand, M. S., et al, Small Anim ClinNutr, p. 769 (4th ed., Walsworth Publishing Co., Marceline, Mo. (2000)).See also, e.g., Hill, C., “Clin Care Nutr”, The Waltham Book of ClinNutr of the Dog and Cat, pps. 7-45 (Elsevier Sce Ltd., Oxford (1994)).Because intake was equal with the control, inclusion of the 14.2%coconut oil increased the amount of body weight loss over a week withoutchanging the amount of calories consumed.

B. Study 2

Study 2 utilized a lean-prone and obese-prone panel of dogs that werefed slightly below maintenance requirements(requirement=(1.3)(BW^(0.75))(70)). Both groups were fed the controlfood for 1 week before testing started, and then randomly assigned toeither the food containing coconut oil or the control food for 3 weeks.Both lean and obese dogs fed coconut oil lost significantly more weightthan the control fed dogs (see FIG. 2). The lean group was taken offstudy at 2 weeks to avoid excessive body weight loss. All dogs consumedthe allotted amount of food each day.

C. Study 3

Study 3 consisted of three groups of dogs fed rations in the followingmanner:

-   -   Group 1: Hill's prescription weight loss food r/d as a control.    -   Group 2: The same base food without fiber and containing 14.2%        coconut oil.    -   Group 3: The same base food without fiber and containing 7.1%        coconut oil.        All dogs were fed at their maintenance requirements (requirement        (1.6)(BW^(0.75))(70)), and consumed all of their allotted food.        The dogs of Group 2 lost significantly more body weight than        dogs of Groups 1 and 3 (see FIG. 3).

D. Study 4

Study 4 consisted of four groups of obese dogs fed a food containing 0%or 13% coconut oil, and 1.4% or 21% fiber. The dogs were fed slightlybelow the maintenance requirements of their ideal body weight(requirement=(1.3)(ideal BW^(0.75))(70)). As shown in Table 4 below,dogs fed the foods containing the 13% coconut oil lost at a greater ratethan the dogs fed the control foods not containing the coconut oil.

TABLE 4 Rate of Body Weight Loss (grams/day) Formulation Mean Rate ofLoss SEM 1.4% fiber, 0% coconut oil 28.0 3.9 1.4% fiber, 39.6 3.9 13%coconut oil 21% fiber, 0% coconut oil 37.7 3.9 21% fiber, 43.8 3.9 13%coconut oil

E. Study 5

Study 5 consisted of food intake trials that tested foods containing MCT(i.e., 13% coconut oil) against commercially available dog foods usedfor weight loss or weight maintenance. In all cases, the dogs consumedmore of the food containing MCT than the commercially available food(see Tables 5, 6, and 7).

TABLE 5 Food Intake (grams/day) Food Intake (grams) Food containing 13%coconut oil 303 Commercially available 59 canine light food

TABLE 6 Food Intake (grams/day) Food Intake (grams) Food containing 13%coconut oil 310 Commercially available 80 canine senior food

TABLE 7 Food Intake (grams/day) Food Intake (grams) Food containing 13%coconut oil 211 Commercially available 132 canine maintenance food

Example 2

In this experiment, the efficacy of a dietary addition of a high levelof fiber (current Hill's Prescription Diet® Canine r/d® dry) to controlappetite and enhance weight loss in obese dogs was compared with that oftwo prototype dry foods. Each prototype food had high levels of fat(coconut oil, a natural source of MCT), adequate protein, and moderatelevels of carbohydrate (nitrogen-free extract or “NFE”). The prototypesdiffered in the levels of fiber.

The study was conducted over 16 weeks. The average initial body fat forthe animals was 39.8%. The treatment and control groups are summarizedin Table 8.

TABLE 8 Treatment and Control Groups No. of Diet Description AnimalsPrescription Diet ® Canine r/d ®, Dry (Positive Control) 8 Prototype 1(with added MCT) 8 Prototype 2 (with added MCT and fiber) 8As indicated in Table 8, three foods were used in this experiment. Thefirst food was Prescription Diet® Canine r/d® dry. This food was used asa positive control for weight loss. This is a weight-loss food thatprovides adequate nutrient intake and restriction of caloric intake fordogs. The second and third foods were prototypes with added MCT oil andwithout or with added fiber, respectively. These two foods maintainedthe same calorie-to-protein ratio as found in the positive control. Thetwo foods are similar in nutrient composition in that they are highprotein, high fat, and moderate carbohydrate. The compositions of thesediets are shown in Table 9.

TABLE 9 Food Analysis Canine Prototype 2 r/d Dry Prototype 1 (addedfiber) Protein % 25.41 37.54 36.19 Fat % 10.24 21.48 21.35 Crude fiber %22.88 2.05 5.87 Ash % 4.92 5.17 5.31 NFE % 35.55 33.76 31.28 Calcium %0.71 0.92 0.93 Phosphorus % 0.58 0.78 0.81 Potassium % 0.80 0.64 0.65Sodium % 0.28 0.44 0.43 Magnesium % 0.14 0.11 0.12 Metabolizable 29424356 4193 energy, kcal/kg (calc'd using Atwater eq.) Calorie:Protein118.9 119.0 119.0 RatioComposition percentages are based on a 100% dry weight of thecomposition.

The dogs were fed once daily, and typically consumed all the offeredfood. Daily consumption and food rejection were recorded. Food intakewas restricted for the duration of the experiment to cause weight loss.Each dog received its daily food amount based on energy requirements ofits ideal body weight. The formula used to determine the amount ofcalories offered to each animal was as follows: kcal offered perday=1.6×(70×ideal body weight (kg)⁻⁷⁵). The amount of food offered dailyto each animal was calculated by dividing the amount of calories to beoffered by the caloric density of the food (kcal/kg). Use of thisequation allowed animals to lose body weight at a rate of 1.0 to 1.5% oftheir initial body weight per week (the dogs lost weight at a rate of1.00, 1.06, and 1.10 of their initial body weight per week for positivecontrol, prototype 1, and prototype 2, respectively). Ideal body weightwas estimated by calculating fat-free body mass from the Dual EnergyX-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) analysis, and adding 20% fat to this total.

On Day 0, each dog was weighed, and body composition was determined viaDEXA. Animals were allotted to treatments based on body composition,weight, and gender. On Day 1, each dog received a randomly assignedfood, and then remained in its weight loss dietary treatment. The end ofthe study was determined for each dog by its meeting a body fatpercentage of 20% or at the completion of 16 weeks on study. All dogswere weighed weekly, and scanned via DEXA every four weeks to measuretheir individual progress in weight loss.

Rates of weight change were derived from a regression equation relatingweight change to time for each animal. The slope of each regressionequation was used as the observation for each animal and these werecombined within treatment to generate means for comparison.

Rates of fat tissue change were derived from a regression equationrelating fat tissue change to time for each animal. The slope of eachregression equation was used as the observation for each animal andthese were combined within treatment to generate means for comparison.

Rates of lean tissue change were derived from a regression equationrelating lean tissue change to time for each animal.

The results of this experiment are shown in Table 10.

TABLE 10 Rate of weight Rate of fat Rate of lean tissue Food change, g/dchange, g/d change, g/d Prescription diet −20.4 −17.4 −3.1 r/d, dryPrototype 1 −24.0 −20.4 −2.3 Prototype 2 −23.2 −15.0 −5.5

As can be seen, the highest rate of weight change (−24.0 g/d) was in thedogs fed the prototype 1 food (without added fiber). This rate of changewas not statistically different (P>0.05) than those fed PrescriptionDiet® Canine r/d® dry (−20.4 g/d) or the prototype 2 food with addedfiber (−23.2 g/d). Thus, all foods tested in this study with the samecalorie:protein ratio were effective for enhancing weight loss in obesedogs.

Most of the body weight change was related to change in body fat tissue.Dogs fed the prototype 1 food (without added fiber) had the highest rateof fat tissue change (−20.4 g/d). This rate of fat change was greaterthan those for the dogs fed Prescription Diet® Canine r/d® dry (−17.4g/d) and the prototype 2 (food with added fiber) (−15.0 g/d).

All food treatments in this study resulted in loss of lean tissue. Onaverage, the dogs lost from 0.26 to 0.62 kg of lean tissue over theduration of this study. Considering the dogs averaged 8.75 kg of leantissue at the beginning of the study, this loss represents 3.0 to 7.1%of their total initial lean tissue. This small amount of lean tissueloss would not be deleterious to the health of the dogs.

Example 3

In this experiment, the efficacy of a dietary addition of a high levelof fiber (current Hill's Prescription Diet® Feline r/d® dry) to controlappetite and enhance weight loss in obese cats was compared with that ofa prototype dry food. The prototype food had high level of fat (coconutoil, a natural source of MCT), adequate protein, and moderate levels ofNFE.

This study was conducted over 24 weeks. The average initial body fat forthe animals was 40.7%. The treatment and control groups are summarizedin Table 11.

TABLE 11 Treatment and Control Groups No. of Diet Description AnimalsPrescription Diet ® Canine r/d ®, Dry (Positive Control) 10 Prototype 1(with added MCT) 10As indicated in Table 11, two foods were used in this experiment. Thefirst food was Prescription Diet® Feline r/d® dry. This food was used asa positive control for weight loss. This is a weight-loss food thatprovides adequate nutrient intake and restriction of caloric intake forcats. The second food was a prototype with added MCT oil.

The cats were fed once per day, and typically consumed all the offeredfood. Daily consumption and food rejection were recorded. Food intakewas restricted for the duration of the experiment to cause weight loss.Each cat received its daily food amount based on energy requirements ofits ideal body weight. The formula used to determine the amount ofcalories offered to each cat was as follows: kcal offered perday=0.8×(70×ideal body weight (kg)⁻⁷⁵). The amount of food offered dailyto each animal was calculated by dividing the amount of calories to beoffered by the caloric density of the food (kcal/kg). Use of thisequation allowed the animals to lose body weight at a rate of 0.5 to1.0% of their initial body weight per week (the cats lost weight at arate of −0.81 and −0.96% of their initial body weight per week forpositive control and prototype 1, respectively). Ideal body weight wasestimated by calculating fat-free body mass from the DEXA analysis andadding 20% fat to this total.

On day 0, each cat was weighed, and body composition was determined viaDEXA. Animals were allotted to treatments based on body composition,weight, and gender. Beginning on day 1, each cat received a randomlyassigned food, and then remained on its weight-loss dietary treatment.The end of the study was determined for each cat by its meeting a bodyfat percentage of 20% or at the completion of 24 weeks on study. Allcats were weighed weekly, and scanned via DEXA every four weeks tomeasure their individual progress in weight loss.

The results of this experiment are shown in Table 12.

TABLE 12 Rate of weight change, % body weight change Food g/d per weekPrescription Diet r/d, dry −6.2 −0.81 Prototype 1 −7.6 −0.96The highest rate of weight change (−7.6 g/d) was in the cats fedprototype 1 food (with the MCT oil added). This rate of change was notstatistically different (P>0.05) than those fed Prescription Diet®Feline r/d® dry (−6.2 g/d). These results demonstrate that the foodstested in this study were effective for enhancing weight loss in obesecats.

(671 All the references cited above are incorporated by reference intothis patent.

The words “comprise”, “comprises”, and “comprising” are to beinterpreted inclusively rather than exclusively.

The above detailed description of preferred embodiments is intended onlyto acquaint others skilled in the art with the invention, itsprinciples, and its practical application so that others skilled in theart may adapt and apply the invention in its numerous forms, as they maybe best suited to the requirements of a particular use. This invention,therefore, is not limited to the above embodiments, and may be variouslymodified.

1-10. (canceled)
 11. A method for aiding an animal in losing weight orreducing weight gain, wherein the method comprises feeding the animal acomposition comprising: (a) from about 12 wt. % to about 25 wt. % of oneor more medium chain fatty acid triglycerides (based on dry weight ofthe composition); and (b) at least one of the following: (i) from about5 wt. % to about 70 wt. % protein (based on dry weight of thecomposition), and (ii) from about 2 wt. % to about 50 wt. % fat (basedon dry weight of the composition).
 12. A method according to claim 11,wherein the animal is a cat or dog.
 13. A method according to claim 11,wherein the animal is a farm animal.
 14. A method according to claim 11,wherein the animal is a bird. 15-20. (canceled)